Pharmacology & Toxicology in Veterinary Medicine: Drugs, Administration, and Regulations

What is pharmacology?

The study of drug or medication action.

What is toxicology?

The study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms.

What are the main topics covered in this pharmacology course?

Drug dosing, mechanism of action, administration and metabolism, and interaction of excretion.

What historical evidence supports the use of plants as drugs?

Plants have been used for thousands of years, with opium and certain mushrooms used as far back as the ancient Egyptian period.

What is a drug?

A chemical or chemical compound used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.

What is a nutraceutical?

A food or fortified food substance that claims to treat or prevent disease but has not undergone rigorous government regulation.

What is a toxicant?

A material that is poisonous.

What are toxins?

Substances produced by plants or animals that can be harmful.

What is the significance of pharmacology and toxicology for veterinary technologists?

They are crucial for administering drugs and understanding their effects and contraindications.

What is pharmacokinetics?

The study of how a drug moves within the body.

What is pharmacodynamics?

The study of how a drug exerts its effects.

What are the key factors to know about drugs?

What it does, how it is given, how it is absorbed, distributed, how much is available for use, how it is excreted, and its interactions and side effects.

What is a chemical name of a drug?

It describes the chemical composition or molecular structure of a drug.

What is a nonproprietary name?

The more concise name given to a specific chemical compound, also known as the generic name.

What is a proprietary name?

The unique name a manufacturer gives to its particular brand of drug, also known as trade name.

What happens when a company gets FDA approval for a new drug?

The company has exclusive rights to market the drug for 20 years.

What is a generic equivalent?

A product of the same drug made by another manufacturer after the original patent expires.

What is the significance of the 20-year exclusivity period for drugs?

It allows the original manufacturer to recoup development costs before generic versions can be produced.

What are some common adverse effects of toxicants?

Acute or chronic effects, which can vary by species or breed.

Why is it important for veterinary technologists to understand drug contraindications?

To know when not to use certain drugs and to ensure animal safety.

What is the role of veterinary technologists in drug administration?

They administer drugs to animals under the direction of a veterinarian.

What is the importance of scientific evidence in drug development?

New drugs must have scientific evidence to justify their use.

What are the acute effects of lily toxicity in cats?

Kidney toxicity leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

What is the effect of theobromine toxicity?

Can cause tachycardia, dyspnea, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, and seizures.

What drug was marketed by Merck for human use in 1987?

Ivermectin

Why might veterinarians need to compound drugs?

To treat a wide variety of animal species that may vary greatly in size.

What does compounding of drugs involve?

Any manipulation of a drug beyond that stipulated on the drug label, such as mixing, diluting, or changing dosage forms.

What is extra label use of a drug?

The use of a drug that is not specifically listed on the FDA approved label.

What must veterinarians ensure when using a drug off-label?

They must have sufficient knowledge of the animal and diagnosis, and follow-up with the patient.

What does OTC stand for in veterinary medicine?

Over The Counter

What are solid dosage forms of drugs?

Tablets and capsules.

What are liquid dosage forms of drugs?

Solutions and suspensions.

What is a semisolid dosage form?

Gels, pastes, and creams.

What is the role of a veterinarian in drug management?

To diagnose and prescribe medications.

What is the responsibility of a veterinary technologist?

To fill prescriptions, prepare labels, administer drugs under a doctor's direction, and monitor for drug reactions.

What is required by law for handling drugs in veterinary practice?

Written authorization from a licensed veterinarian.

What are controlled drugs?

Drugs that have the potential to be abused by humans, with negative consequences.

What is the DEA's preferred method for storing controlled drugs?

A double-locked safe securely mounted to a permanent structure for Schedule III-V drugs.

What is the significance of the schedule number for controlled drugs?

The lower the schedule number, the higher the risk for abuse.

Give an example of a Schedule II drug.

Morphine, hydromorphone, or fentanyl.

What must be logged for controlled drugs?

Patient name, drug name, amount drawn up, amount used, amount wasted, amount remaining, initials, and date/time.

What is required for the disposal of controlled drugs in NYS?

They must be disposed of by way of a reverse distributor.

How long must records of controlled substances be maintained?

For a minimum of 2 years, or 5 years in New York State.

What is the VCPR?

Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship.

What are the responsibilities of a veterinarian when prescribing medications?

Choosing the drug, its form, and dosage.

What is the role of the veterinary technologist in client counseling?

To ensure clients understand prescription directions with referral to the doctor if needed.

What are the two greatest modes of excreting drugs?

The kidneys via urine and the liver via stool.

What does contraindication mean?

Something that doesn't work well with another substance, like a medication and a certain substance.

What is transdermal administration?

Putting a substance on the skin.

Why are highly vascular areas preferred for drug administration?

They absorb medications best due to their high vascularity.

What is theobromine, and why is it significant?

A toxin in chocolate that can cause serious health issues in pets.

What is the procedure for chocolate ingestion in pets?

Induce emesis or vomiting.

What is the toxicity of lily flowers in cats?

They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney failure.

What is antifreeze toxicity?

It can have different stages where a pet may seem better and then worse again.

What are the three drug names?

Chemical name, nonproprietary (generic) name, and proprietary (trade) name.

What does a registered trademark signify?

The trade name cannot legally be used by another company.

What happens once a company's exclusive rights to a drug expire?

Other companies can manufacture the drug, creating generic equivalents.

What is compounding of veterinary drugs?

The process of diluting or combining existing medications for specific clinical situations.

What is extra-label (off-label) use of a drug?

The use of a drug that is not specifically listed on the FDA approved label.

What is the role of a veterinarian in drug administration?

To diagnose and prescribe medications.

What does VCR stand for in veterinary medicine?

Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship.

What are OTC drugs?

Over-the-counter drugs that do not require a veterinarian's supervision for administration.

What is the difference between solid and liquid dosage forms?

Solid forms include tablets and capsules; liquid forms include solutions and suspensions.

What are tinctures and elixirs?

Alcohol-based solutions for oral and topical use.

What is the purpose of client counseling in veterinary medicine?

To ensure clients understand prescription directions and compliance.

What is the USP designation?

United States Pharmacopeia, which sets standards for drug manufacturing, quality, and purity.

What does the USP designation on a label indicate?

Identity, potency, purity, and performance of the drug.

What is required for a veterinarian to prescribe medication?

A veterinary-client-patient relationship must be established.

How often must a veterinarian examine a patient for a valid prescription in New York?

Within the past 6 months.

What is the protocol for disposing of controlled drugs?

They must be disposed of properly, often through a reverse distributor.

What are the examples of Schedule II controlled drugs?

Morphine, hydromorphone, pentobarbital, fentanyl.

What are the examples of Schedule III controlled drugs?

Ketamine, buprenorphine.

What are the examples of Schedule IV controlled drugs?

Midazolam, alprazolam, diazepam, tramadol.

What are the examples of Schedule V controlled drugs?

Cough medicines with small amounts of codeine, diphenoxylate.

What is the importance of keeping track of controlled drug data?

To ensure compliance with regulations and proper inventory management.

What is the consequence of not storing keys to controlled drugs properly?

Limited access to keys is crucial for security; if unavailable, emergency measures may be taken.

What is the purpose of the controlled drug inventory?

To match the amount on hand with the amount listed on drug logs.

What is the minimum record retention period for controlled substances according to the DEA?

Records must be maintained for a minimum of 2 years.

What does client compliance involve in veterinary practice?

Getting the client to administer necessary medications to the patient.